Along with lapis lazuli, Malachite is one of human kinds first precious stones. It has been used for over 7,000 years and was quite popular with ancient Egyptians. Malachite has been associated with numerous goddesses throughout history, such as the Egyptian goddesses Toeris, and Hathor as well as the Greek goddess Venus. Malachite is easily recognized for it is a deep banded green color. Like Lapis, Malachite was ground and used as a pigment.

Hematite is an iron ore highly popular in bead and jewelry designs. Nearly all Hematite beads on the market are man made materials (ours too), but are still an iron ore and have the same chemical make up as natural hematite. The name Hematite stems from the Greek word "Haem" for blood as natural hematite holds a reddish tint, while commercially available hematite beads do not. Hematite has been used for eons, even by pre-historic man for cave paintings. Man Made Hematite is often magnetized and used in magnetic therapy jewelry. Hematite beads look great with Swarovski crystal or fire polished beads!